@KeepTheJuice21 NBA Playoff Picks - 5/9

How quickly we lose the bigger picture of a series when we get a blowout… The Warriors were unstoppable offensively in Game 3 but let’s not forget how close the first two matchups were. The Grizzlies won Game 2 confidently and barely missed a layup to end Game 1 with a loss. Now we act like the home court advantage is worth 15 points? The Grizzlies will be getting back Brooks who provides a very physical defensive presence, something they obviously needed when they gave up 142 points. Everyone should be expecting a close game out of the young stars in the making.

The two best teams matched up this round have given us fireworks already. There’s no misgivings anymore, every player on the court knows that each game is going to be key going forward. Making a prediction on this is based the most on what actions that led to either team winning are repeatable. In Game 1, it was poor shooting from the Celtics, especially Jaylen Brown. In Game 2, it was no support for Giannis. Game 3, the Celtics again shot very poorly. After Game 1 it would be hard to convince that the result was repeatable, but clearly the Bucks have a defensive scheme that is working. Brook Lopez has been great as a post stopper, which has allowed Giannis to basically play free safety and fly around blocking shots. Jrue is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the game and all combined, even if the offensive support is lackluster, the Bucks have the tools to win more often than not. It’s a tight one but the Bucks should take home the win tonight.